REDINGENSIANS Rams launch their new National Two South season this Saturday with a potential thriller away to local rivals Henley Hawks (kick-off 3pm).

The Reading team has a new look to it – both on and off the field – as long-term stalwarts Mike Tewkesbury and Spike Henderson stand down as head and forwards coach respectively.

They are replaced by Seb Reynolds and Owen Root, both ex-first team players and long-term favourites of Rams’ fans.

Reynolds and Root will be joined by Danny Batty, who comes to the Rams as backs and defence coach.

Batty, a previously successful player and coach at Henley Hawks, said: “I felt I needed a new challenge from my rugby and Rams offered it to me. The club is very ambitious, but it wants to go forward by developing young local talent, and that plays to my strengths.”

There is also a new look to the playing squad, which has been strengthened by 10 new summer additions with only one player, fly-half Jacob Atkins, on loan from London Irish, moving on.

“We were bitterly disappointed to lose Jake,” said Reynolds. “He grew in confidence during the season with us and became a valuable and much liked member of the squad.”

But Reynolds is optimistic about the future, stating: “The squad has worked very hard over the summer and there is a tremendous buzz about the club.

“I think it will take a while for the players to adapt to some of the fundamental changes we have introduced to our playing style, but this squad is capable of taking the club to National One, which will provide local enthusiasts with some good quality rugby when Irish exiles move back to London”.